One Final Post

Ciao a tutti.

Well, this is a strange feeling, writing my final blog post.

I've been back in the USA for just over one week, and I must say it was a great week; I definitely have no regrets about returning home early.

I've spent seven days here in America, and not a day has gone by where I haven't thought about Italy. I've gave it a lot of thought, both the good and bad, and I'm ready to write about it.

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Italy

Italy is thinking about your life back at home - It's about realizing how truly lucky you are to have the friends and family who care about you.

Italy is like my second homeland - I would be crazy to say that I couldn't call this place my second country, I spent six months in the country, and those six months were some of the best of my life.

Italy is delicious - When it comes to food, there is no better country on Earth that produces better food than Italy. Whether it is the pizza, pasta, bread, cheese, coffee, wine, gelato, or the various number of desserts, you can be sure that you're biting into a well-prepared food item.

Italy is soccer - One of the things I found interesting this year was the Italian's love for the game of soccer. It is a catchy sport and I actually picked up my own favorite team: Napoli.

Italy is friendship - The hardest thing for me to do was leave the friends I have made behind. Mats, Isaac, Fabiana, Lydia, and Samantha are some of the nicest and kindest people I have ever met in my entire life. I don't know where, when, or how we'll cross paths once again, but we will. I am sure of it.

Italy is historic and beautiful - When I walked the streets in Siracusa, I couldn't help but to imagine what the city may have looked like 3000 year ago. It has both historic and natural beautiful that I want to one day return and see.

Italy is special to me - Again, this country is one which will always be special to me. I can't wait to return in 20, 30, or 40 years to see what has changed.
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So I suppose this is where this post and this blog ends: with me ending in one final "thank you" and one final "goodbye" to everyone who followed me along this crazy, yet rewarding journey.

Although I wasn't able to last the entire ten months like I had originally planned to, I would never take back my decision to go abroad. These six months were some of the hardest, yet rewarding six months of my entire life.

My early return home has made me eager to do it again, because I know I'd be more successful on a second attempt. Whether that is a gap year or in college, I will find a way to spend more time abroad.

So goodbye everyone, and thanks for following me on my adventure.

Grazie mille e ciao a tutti.

CIAO!

My Last Post From Italy

Ciao a tutti,

I write to you one last time from Italy.

Tomorrow I will get on a plane taking me back to my homeland: The United States of America.

I've made great friends here, learned a new language, and experienced things I will never experience again in my life.

It is difficult for me to leave this place - full of history, memories, and fun - but it's time for me to go home.

I cannot believe I'll once again be standing in the USA in less than 24 hours.

It's quite crazy, but I am ready.

I'm ready for America.

I'll write one last post once I get back home.

See you soon.

AF

My Best Friend

I want to tell you about my best friend: Mats Hanson

Photo Credit: Fabiana Cassia

This picture pretty much sums up our crazy, but great friendship. He and I are always playing jokes on each other as this picture shows (we were both supposed to jump).

He's from Northfield, MN and he has been my best friend on exchange since day #1. We met in Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport on the morning of September 1, and we've been best friends since.

We literally hangout everyday together and we find the craziest things to do around this beautiful 3,000 year old city.

We go for bike rides around the busiest round-a-bouts in the sketchy Italian traffic, we play basketball with the other American in Siracusa, and we go swimming in the middle of February when the water is freezing cold. It doesn't matter what we choose to do, we always turn it into something fun.

I only have six days left in Italy, and I'll spend them all with my best friend.

He and the other American (Isaac) are going to take me to the airport thanks to Mats' host father (Andrea) on February 19. I can about guarantee that I will cry because that will be the hardest 'goodbye' I will have ever said.

He's a great friend and a great person.

I'll miss you Mats.

AF

No Regrets

Ciao a tutti!

Since I believe the ones who check my blog are most interested in me and how I am doing, I have decided to first announce to you, my dear blog viewers, my decision.

Due to an unexpected happening of a strange sequence of events, I have made the personal decision to end my exchange and return home to the USA.

The decision was not easy to leave my friends here, and come home when I know that staying here another five months means better learning the language, developing deeper relationships, and traveling throughout Europe, but the pros of returning home much outweigh the pros of staying here.

February 19 marks the day for return.

What a sad day that will be to walk into security in Catania Airport at 4:45 AM, but what a glorious day it will be to see my family in Sioux Falls Airport at 8:57 PM on Tuesday night.

And I cannot wait.

I only have 8 days left in Italy, and I will enjoy them.

I'm leaving Italy with no regrets, and I'm returning home early with no regrets.

I'm doing what I think is best.

No Regrets.

AF

It's "Us Against The World"

I don't have much to write about, but here's a song by a band that always puts me in a good mood.

Maybe it will give you a new hope, too.

I really do love the band Coldplay.

AF

Merry Christmas - Buon Natale

I know I am a day late, but I hope you all had a Merry Christmas filled with family, friendship, and fun. I miss you all but I will be home faster than you know it. Only 6 months remain left in my exchange; the first four flew by!

Have a wonderful end to 2012 and a great start to 2013.

A presto!

AF

December 21, 2012

Ciao a tutti!

According to the Mayans, my current location in the world is going to come to an end in about an hour.

I'm going to stay up and see what really happens.

The countries east of me have shown no sign of any catastrophic events taking place, and I expect that to continue for Italy and all its inhabitants (including me).

If the world does come to an end, I just want to say thanks to everyone who has affected my life whether that might be good or bad because you have helped me get to where I am right now. I am here today and I'd say I'm content with life at the moment, so for this: I thank you all.

Have a nice day everyone.

AF